If any pests are easy to mix up, it’s probably the slug and the snail – these animals may look similar, but they’re not identical. While slugs and snails both share soft bodies, two long tentacles, and produce a slimy liquid when they glide, there’s one key difference between them: snails have a shell and a coiled body, while slugs do not.
As far as outdoor pests go, slugs and snails may not seem like an immediate problem for homeowners, but they can spell more trouble than you think. Here’s what you need to know about the destruction caused by slugs and snails, how to effectively get rid of them, and how to prevent them from coming back.
What Kind Of Destruction Do Slugs And Snails Cause On Your Property?
Slugs and snails rarely make it into the home and they’re not dangerous for humans, but in your garden, they can be a huge source of destruction. You may not spot these pests during the daytime, but at night, they won’t hesitate to chew large holes through your vegetation, especially leafy vegetables.
Anything edible, like strawberries, fruit trees, and other low-growing vegetables, are subject to destruction and attack from slugs and snails. Over time, enough slugs and snails can destroy ripening fruits and vegetables as well as seedlings.
Since they’re nocturnal, many gardeners may not immediately suspect slugs or snails for their garden destruction, but the slimy trail left behind by these mollusks can be a dead giveaway.
The Most Environmentally-Friendly Way To Get Rid Of Slugs And Snails
While DIY methods like pesticides may promise to rid your yard of slugs and snails, many of these chemical options can be toxic to you, your family, your pets, and the plants you’ve worked so hard to grow.
The most environmentally friendly way to get rid of slugs and snails is with a professional pest control service like Alta Pest Control. Our low-impact pest control will not only take care of your slug and snail problem but also has a minimal impact on the environment.
If slugs and snails have become your garden’s latest terror, don’t hesitate to contact us at Alta Pest Control for more information about our slug and snail services today.
How To Prevent Slugs And Snails On Your Property
While a professional pest service is the most effective (and environmentally responsible) way to handle a slug and snail problem, there are a few things you can do to prevent these pests from coming back:
- Regularly keep your gutters clear to avoid drainage build-up.
- Avoid overwatering your garden and plants as extra moisture can attract snails and slugs.
- Don’t allow firewood piles, compost bins, or trash cans to sit too close to your home, and try to keep them elevated off the ground.
- Keep plants off the ground and in pots.
- Don’t plant your garden too close to your actual home.
- Use a barrier, usually crushed rock or stone, to separate your garden soil from the foundation of your home.
However, if these preventative measures aren’t enough to keep the slugs and snails away, it could be time to contact us at Alta Pest Control.
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